What is it you believe?

I believe in Early Intervention. Alec is my proof it works.

I don't believe vaccinations cause it, I know a special diet wouldn't help Alec, I don't believe there is a 'cure', if they do find a gene that causes autism and devise a test for it what are you going to do? have that test? abort that baby? There is management, coping strategies and early intervention. But this is my experience and decisions, everyone needs to make their own based on the needs of their child.

The thing is no two autistic children are the same, while one is social and communicative but has severe sensory issues another has no sensory issues but is withdrawn and uncommunicative with a whole lot of different variations in between. Then you have to add in co morbidity (two or more conditions also present) and intellectual disability.

I worry everyday about the future of my child. I will do anything I think will help him, I will never accuse anyone of doing the wrong thing by their child by the therapies they choose, I am only responsible for Alec.

I fund raise for the early intervention centre because I have seen what they can do, it is hands on hard work but so gratifying and I am humbled by the generosity of those who attended or donated last year.

The ages of 3-6 are the most important for child with autism, I have seen my child go from being unable to cope with his surroundings, any form of change or deviation of routine to a boy who communicates, joins in and is in mainstream school. Alec found his environment so hostile all he could do was withdraw to a safe place within himself and he communicated by squeals and noises. It hasn't been a miracle but amazing dedication by the therapists we have encountered and ourselves, for 2 years every minute of the day was a therapy session, thankfully Alec embraced it and loved going to speech, centre sessions or gym (OT) even with everything we have done i still worry I have missed something or could do more but this is a thing I have found many mums experience, we do our best no matter what path we travel.

It's life Jim but not as we know it

When was I here last? it's been a while, we have been busy and sick and just getting by. The weekend has been a very trying one. Alec has been acting out in a very strange manner. This is the second time this has happened and it is usually in response to something that has upset him.

Thursday night he started getting very angry, hitting out, hitting himself and screaming and squealing. This was true rage, he couldn't contain it and all we could do was make sure he didn't do himself any damage. One of the new strategies the psychologist gave us was to ignore all behaviours except good ones and praise those, lets just say this is hard.

We know these stem from incidents, this one from school, we ask questions but they get us nowhere except to make him confused, we worked through it though, thankfully it was a long weekend. I also kept him home today as we have a centre session at 12;30 and it is going to be 42, thought it best he have some quiet time today.